SHILLONG: With seven confirmed cases of Japanese Encephalitis being recorded in Meghalaya, the State Vector Borne Disease Control Society (MSVBDCS) State Programme Officer Dr. B. Mawlong on Wednesday said the best possible way to control the spread of this disease was early detection.
“Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is a must. We need the cooperation and support of the people to ensure the early detection of the symptom of the disease,” Dr. Mawlong said.
“In case of fever, visit your nearest health centre for remedial measures,” she advised while suggesting the use of insect repellents on exposed skin and wearing long sleeves and pants to protect against mosquito bites.
“People should allow their houses to be sprayed with insecticide both inside and outside,” Dr. Mawlong said, while adding, “People ought to ensure that their surroundings are clean so as to not attract mosquitoes which are the main cause of transmission of the disease.”
“Even pigs and poultry should be reared at a safe distance from human dwelling,” she added.
“Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis may include headache, fever, meningeal signs (neck stiffness), stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, paralysis (generalized), hypertonia (increased tightness of muscle tone and reduced capacity of the muscle to stretch caused by damage to the motor nerve pathways in the central nervous system), loss of coordination, etc.” she elaborated.
